Concerns raised over consultation process as governors’ community hub proposal gains attention

CYMDEITHAS YR IAITH has criticised Carmarthenshire County Council’s proposal to close Ysgol Meidrim, describing the move as an “illogical conclusion” and questioning whether the statutory presumption against closing rural schools has been properly applied.

The campaign group issued a formal response to the consultation, arguing that local authorities are required to begin any review of a rural school by seriously considering how it can be sustained and developed, with closure considered only as a last resort.

Speaking on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith locally, Ffred Ffransis said: “Nobody could understand why the council would come to the illogical conclusion of wishing to close a school which Estyn said was improving educationally, where pupil numbers were increasing, where the school served as the Welsh-medium heart of the community, which acted as a safe haven for pupils with additional learning needs, and where the council would save almost no money at all by closing it.

“However, when we followed the initial stages of the consultation process, it became clear that officials were treating all rural schools under review as problems from the start, and data was collected to back up the preconception. In presenting the legislation to the Senedd in 2018, the then Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams, emphasised that proposing closure of a rural school should always be the ‘last resort’, but it is now being treated as the solution of choice.”

He added that the organisation welcomed signs the council was taking seriously an alternative proposal from the school’s governors to develop a costed community hub alongside the school, working in cooperation with neighbouring schools.

Council response

Carmarthenshire County Council has previously stated that it has a statutory duty to review school provision to ensure education is delivered in suitable facilities and remains sustainable for the future. The authority says proposals are developed following detailed assessments, including pupil numbers, building condition, financial considerations and long-term viability.

The council has also confirmed that consultation responses, including alternative proposals, will be considered before any final decision is made by elected members.

The consultation process remains ongoing.

Free family event at Withybush Aerodrome to raise vital funds for Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity

AT a time when charities across Wales are facing increasing financial pressure, one Pembrokeshire organisation is calling on the community to come together in support of local children and young people experiencing grief.

Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity will host its Big Bash on Saturday 6 June at Withybush Aerodrome, promising a free, family-friendly day of activities while raising essential funds for its bereavement support services.

The charity works with families across Pembrokeshire and throughout Wales during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Demand for support continues to grow, while funding streams remain uncertain — making community events such as the Big Bash more important than ever.

Organisers say the day is about more than fundraising. It is also about raising awareness of the support available locally and highlighting the real families and real stories at the heart of the charity’s work.

One mother who accessed Sandy Bear’s services said taking part in a previous event had a lasting impact on her child.

“We never thought something like a fun run would matter so much, but it did,” she said. “It was the first time we saw our child smile without forcing it. Sandy Bear helped make that possible.”

The day will begin at 11am with the Sandy Bear Fun Run, featuring accessible 1.5k and 3k routes designed to suit all abilities, including wheelchair users and families with pushchairs. For a £5 registration fee, participants can walk, jog or run the course, helping to kickstart the celebrations while directly supporting local bereavement services.

Following the fun run, the main pavilion will host a range of local stalls, food vendors, entertainment and performances, creating what organisers describe as a welcoming and inclusive party atmosphere.

With charities increasingly being asked to do more with less, Sandy Bear hopes the Big Bash will encourage residents to reconnect with their community and support organisations working quietly behind the scenes to make a life-changing difference.

Advance registration for the fun run is encouraged due to high expected turnout, though limited on-the-day registration will be available from 10.15am.

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has been forced to apologise after mistakenly using an image of a Russian-linked attack drone to illustrate a major defence investment announcement — just one day after concerns were raised about potential security threats to the UK.

Ministers had been promoting a £50m Defence Growth Deal, signed at Cardiff Castle by UK Defence Secretary John Healey, First Minister Eluned Morgan and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens. The agreement aims to position Wales as a centre for autonomous technology and uncrewed systems, including drones used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

However, the image used on the Business Wales website to promote the initiative was identified as a HESA Shahed-136 — an Iranian-designed drone widely used by Russian forces in attacks against Ukraine.

The error was spotted by technology author Gavin Harper, who criticised the choice of imagery as “tone deaf” given the ongoing war and the presence of Ukrainian refugees living in Wales.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said the incident was a genuine mistake.

“This was a genuine mistake. A stock image from an external library was used on a business support social media platform and was removed as soon as the site became aware,” the spokesperson said.

The Shahed-136, also known by its Russian designation Geran-2, is a so-called “one-way attack drone” or kamikaze drone designed to strike ground targets from long distances. The weapon has become closely associated with Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian areas since the invasion began.

Security context

The incident comes amid growing discussion about defence preparedness in the UK and potential threats from hostile states.

As reported by The Herald on Tuesday (Feb 24), concerns were raised about the vulnerability of British military infrastructure following warnings that cruise missile-equipped submarines could theoretically threaten airbases. The story also referenced recent reports of suspected Russian maritime intelligence activity off the Welsh coast, including incidents near Aberporth.

Against that backdrop, the use of imagery linked to a weapon deployed by Russian forces has drawn criticism online and prompted questions about the vetting of official communications.

Economic ambitions

Despite the controversy, ministers say the Defence Growth Deal represents a significant opportunity for Wales, with investment aimed at boosting advanced manufacturing, research and technology development linked to the defence sector.

The agreement is intended to help Wales capitalise on emerging defence technologies, including autonomous systems, while supporting jobs and economic growth.

Opposition figures have yet to comment formally on the image error, but political observers say the incident highlights the risks of relying on generic stock imagery in sensitive policy areas such as defence and security.

The Welsh Government has since removed the image from its promotional material.

This story was first reported on Nation Cymru and you can read their article here.